Special edition Ferrari J50 marks brand's 50th anniversary in Japan

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Ferrari celebrates 50 years in Japan with limited edition model

by Marcus De Guzman

December 14, 2016 11:16

Ferrari has just revealed something special at the Land of The Rising Sun. In celebration of their 50th anniversary in Japan, the Pransing Horse brand has come up with the limited edition J50. Designed by the Ferrari Styling Center in Maranello and built by Ferrari's Special Projects team, the two-seater, mid-engined sports car harkens back to the old school targa body style and is powered by a 3.9-liter V8.

In making the very special J50, Ferrari took a standard 488 Spider and radically modified its exterior design. According to the automaker, the low-slung roadster has a new futuristic design language that highlights the swooping lines and aggressive tone of the J50. It gets a sharper-looking front end that is flanked by sleek LED headlights, a wide front air intake and a character line that wraps around the doors and front fenders.

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Ferrari also mentioned that the J50 has a 'helmet visor' effect thanks to the unique door windows that appear to wrap around the cabin. This special design pays homage to the open racecars of yesteryear, particulary the barchettas of the 1950s.

Around the back, the rear section has also been heavily modified. The rear wheel arches now look smoother and appear to seamlessly connect with the tail end of the J50. A polycarbonate engine cover replaces the traditional bonnet while the quad taillight design makes for a sportier finish for the J50. Completing it all are the two-piece carbon fiber top (replaces folding metal roof), carbon fiber air ducts, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and a new rear diffuser.

Propelling the special anniversary car is a 3.9-liter biturbo V8 derived from the 488 Spider. The engine produces an extra 20 PS, resulting in a maximum output of 690 PS. Ferrari, however, did not mention the J50's torque figure nor its 0 – 100 km/h time. In comparision, the 488 Spider cranks out 670 PS and 760 Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 3 seconds and has a top speed of 325 km/h.

Only 10 units of the Ferrari J50 will be made and each one will be tailored specifically to the client's liking.